My sister in law doesn't want to give my brother (whom can't see) meds to control his cholesterol?

Question

It is 202 and the doctor said he didn't want it over 130? She says she doesn't want to give him pills during the night and that Soui Wrestlers all have high cholesterol levels and they are okay. What do you think?

Answer 1

It all depends on his and her health goals...

If they like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and the like then I think he should keep his cholesterol at 202. If they'd like to reduce their risk of these things happening, it would be wise to take the cholesterol medication.

Answer 2

She's looking to marry a new husband.

Answer 3

Sounds like a real difficult issue to confront for certain.  

The number of "202" is referring to his LDL (low-density lypoprotein) level, and not a "Total Cholesterol" number. We rarely even bother with the "total" number since we have the ability to fractionate the cholesterol into 3 main groups: Triglycerides, HDL, and LDL (of most importance).

If he's had a stroke, then his target level should be actually less than 100 on his LDL.  Not to mention, NOT giving him medication, and adjusting his dietary intake, put him at SIGNIFICANT risk for another event; even a heart attack.  

There is a LOT of unsupported conjecture and bias about the use of these medications in the media and internet.  Sounds like your sister-in-law has bought into these silly anecdotes, rather than reading through the many studies that demonstrate safety and reduction of risks when taken as prescribed.  In a nutshell, your brother NEEDS these medications to be safe.  

I prescribe meds (statins) to lower cholesterol levels on a daily basis.  Why?  Because they work!  As far as side effects in patients, I've only had to either discontinue medications or change to another in less than a handful of patients out of the literally thousands that I treat. Thus, the risks are little compared to the outcomes of NOT treating high cholesterol.  I also tell my patients that if they change their eating habits, improve their cardio-vascular health/exercise, and the numbers go down past where I need them to be, then I will either try to lower the dose, or eliminate it altogether.  

A statement like "Soui Wrestlers all have high cholesterol levels and they are okay" is nonsense.  Now, if she can say that they all have LOW LDL levels, but HIGH HDL (healthy chol) levels, then that may be a different story. However, I truly doubt that is the case.  Simply put, I think your S-I-L has bought into the media frenzy that captivates many people into thinking these medications are ALL unsafe and will cause side effects.  

Think about it...if he's already had a stroke...then he's not exactly "okay." Right?  

Best of luck to you and your brother.  

Answer 4

only her and the doctor could figure this out

Answer 5

Your sister is right. Artificially lowering your cholesterol has NEVER been shown to help. If it was up around 300, I would say you should look for dietary and life style changes to improve it. 202 is excellent. Do not fall for the propaganda spewed to your doctor from the drug companies. The drugs do not protect from heart attack or strokes. They are starting to be linked to causing strokes and congestive heart failure. And the effects on memory and depression are huge.

Ask the NP how many of his patients ask for anti depressants, NSAIDs, thyroid meds, need diabetes meds, walk with a cane, have knee or hip surgery, commit suicide, develop temporary amnesia, have tingling in the feet or hands, develop cancer, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders. How many of his patients with normal to low normal cholesterol have heart attacks, develop Alzheimer's or ALS, early dementia, multiple cancer sites.  Cholesterol is a defense system and NEVER should be artificially lowered.

Pharmacist who's life was almost ruined by Lipitor

Answer 6

well if what you meant by 202 is LDL cholesterol, then he should consult a doctor and take medications along with diet plan. If he has other risk factors for heart disease the preferable LDL level is less than 100. There are various cholesterol lowering drugs which you can find in the link below